All iPhones that will launch in next year will skip fingerprint sensor in favour of facial recognition-based Face ID, predicts KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Cupertino : Apple CEO Tim Cook, announces the new iPhone X at the Steve Jobs Theater on the new Apple campus on September 12, 2017, in Cupertino.(AP)

After embracing Face ID for biometric authentication on iPhone X, Apple is now expected to implement the feature in all iPhones next year. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has been tracking Apple and its devices for several years, has predicted that 3D sensing would be advertised as the key selling point of the iPhone in 2018.

The analyst, however, stresses the future of Face ID depends on the success of the iPhone X, Apple’s new edge-to-edge ultra-premium smartphone.

According to Kuo, 3D sensor along with TrueDepth cameras and FaceID will also pave way for a superior full-screen design. The technology will help the company “capitalise on its clear lead in 3D sensing design and production for smartphones”.

“We predict all new 2H18F iPhone models will likely abandon fingerprint recognition. We believe this change will allow all new models to realise a competitive advantage via differentiation, on the back of an integrated user experience of full-screen design and TrueDepth Camera/ Facial recognition/ Face ID/ AR applications,” Kuo is quoted as saying by Macrumors.

Kuo also notes that several Android players may join the 3D sense bandwagon next year, but are unlikely to steal Apple’s thunder. On Android players launching under-screen fingerprint technology next year, Kuo commented that such phones won’t be seeing high traction to due to the steep selling price. He added that all major manufacturers will work towards embracing 3D sensing instead of under-screen fingerprint displays.

Apple’s Face ID-enabled iPhone X is set to launch in India on November 3. The smartphone will go on pre-order on October 27. With the price starting at Rs 89,000, the iPhone X is the most expensive iPhone ever.